Hidden City , the latest book in the Sunsword series is released.

[elvet]

This is the best news of the day for me, since I'm a huge fan. Here's the blurb:

The incredible story that fans of The Sun Sword series have been waiting to read-the battle for control of House Terafin-from a writer of "talent and depth."*

Orphaned and left to fend for herself in the slums of Averalaan, Jewel Markess- Jay to her friends-meets an unlikely savior in Rath, a man who prowls the ruins of the undercity. Nursing Jay back to health is an unusual act for a man who renounced his own family long ago, and the situation becomes stranger still when Jay begins to form a den of other rescued children in Rath's home. But worse perils lurk beneath the slums: the demons that once nearly destroyed the Essalieyan Empire are stirring again, and soon Rath and Jay will find themselves targets of these unstoppable beings.

This is the first book in the House Wars series.

[Clansman]

This book is unknown to me. You neglected to post who the author is. It sounds promising. How would you classify this book? Low fantasy, high fantasy, epic, combination thereof, etc?

[elvet]

The Sunsword series is by Michelle (Sagara) West. There are 6 books and a prequel duology called the Sacred Hunt.
It is epic fantasy - lots of characters, political intrigue and a highly structured social system. I particulary like her use of strong women characters and her premise of a magical population where geographical boundaries separated them into 2 distinct groups. One group encourages their magical skills, and the other supresses it.

Here's her page at Fantasticfiction:
Michelle West

[Clansman]

She seems to be fairly prolific. I am particularly fond of epic fantasy (GRR Martin, Steven Erikson, Janny Wurts), and these look like they may be of interest to me. As I like those authors, would I like this one?

Where should one start, with the prequel novels? Or is there any stand-alone, or a book in the series that can be read without committing to an entire, unknown series?

[elvet]

Of the authors you mentioned, I've only read GRR Martin, though I've just bought Wurts' Empire series based on your comments .
Sunsword certainly rivals ASoIaF for complexity. I actually started reading the first book and almost gave up because it was so confusing - many characters and 2 different societies with their own politics. Then I found out about the prequel, and read that first. Those books weren't as detailed as the Sunsword ones, but they eased you into the mythos a bit slower. I would recommend you read them first just to get an introduction into her world.

[Werthead]

I've been hanging on for this series. West hasn't been published in the UK yet but the rumour is that Orbit may be looking at publishing her.

Unfortunately, the last time a frequently-praised American epic fantasy series was published in the UK 10-15 years after it debuted - CS Freidman's Coldfire Trilogy - I found it to be a bit of a letdown due to the hype. I hope this isn't the same situation.

[elvet]

Slight correction - Michelle West is Canadian. She also works at a SF and F only bookstore in Toronto. She was signing books there on Friday; I would have gone if I could. Here's a link to her blog:
Trying to Catch Up

[Tickle]

That is great news!! This is one of my favorite series (a yearly re-read). I was very bummed how it ended because I wanted to know what happened with Jewel and her den. Now I can. I can't wait to get the new book.

I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy. The story is not a common based story. The characters will certainly draw you into them.

Elvet - Who is your favorite character(s)? I would have to say mine are:
Diora
Jewel
Kiriel
Aurelis (i think that is how it is spelled)
Avander
Kallandras

[murphy]

Originally Posted by Clansman

She seems to be fairly prolific. I am particularly fond of epic fantasy (GRR Martin, Steven Erikson, Janny Wurts), and these look like they may be of interest to me. As I like those authors, would I like this one?

Where should one start, with the prequel novels? Or is there any stand-alone, or a book in the series that can be read without committing to an entire, unknown series?

Read Hunter's Oath and then Hunter's Death. These books will ease you into that universe. Then start with the Sun Sword series beginning with the first book listed.

I've been reading The Hidden City and was a bit disappointed that it didn't continue on from what was happening in the last Sun Sword books. However, it's a very good read.

[elvet]

Elvet - Who is your favorite character(s)? I would have to say mine are:
Diora
Jewel
Kiriel
Aurelis (i think that is how it is spelled)
Avander
Kallandras

I'm torn between Jewel and Diora. I love how Diora was raised in a misogynistic society, and yet manages to obtain power and control through the avenues available to her. Jewel is just plain disadvantaged, and watching her develop into a character of strength and confidence is rewarding. That is why I'm looking forward to her early story in the Hidden City.

[Tickle]

Originally Posted by elvet

I'm torn between Jewel and Diora. I love how Diora was raised in a misogynistic society, and yet manages to obtain power and control through the avenues available to her. Jewel is just plain disadvantaged, and watching her develop into a character of strength and confidence is rewarding. That is why I'm looking forward to her early story in the Hidden City.

There is a little bit of her story in Hunter's Death (I'm not sure if it starts in Hunter's Oath) or rather she is in it. Have you read that as well?

[murphy]

I'm about 1/3 of the way through the Hidden City and I think I will be up to the wee hours of the morning reading. It's that good. Really enjoying it and already fretting about when the next book in the series will be coming out.

[murphy]

Originally Posted by Werthead

I've been hanging on for this series. West hasn't been published in the UK yet but the rumour is that Orbit may be looking at publishing her.

Unfortunately, the last time a frequently-praised American epic fantasy series was published in the UK 10-15 years after it debuted - CS Freidman's Coldfire Trilogy - I found it to be a bit of a letdown due to the hype. I hope this isn't the same situation.

Her books are listed on Amazon, UK, or are you waiting for ARCs?

[skywept]

Originally Posted by Werthead

I've been hanging on for this series. West hasn't been published in the UK yet but the rumour is that Orbit may be looking at publishing her.

Where did you hear that?? I would love it, but I've never heard anything close to the West novels getting a UK release.

-skywept

[Tickle]

I have finally gotten this book and I loved it. Jewel is one of my favorite characters and now we get to see how she got started and to see how her den was formed. I can't wait for the rest to come out. I really want to see how it ends.

I also hope that after this trilogy, that she will continue with the story of Kiriel and Aurelis, going off to the North to find Anya (sp). While also updating us on how Diora and Valedan are doing.